Southborough officials to seek roughly $21,000 from Charter, pause fight over HD channel

Town of Southborough committee members agreed June 23 to open negotiations with Charter Communications for a cable franchise that would ask for a capital payment comparable to the town’s Verizon agreement — roughly $21,000 — and to pursue a five‑year license while avoiding an extended fight over an HD channel or equipment funding.

The committee, who discussed strategy with outside counsel Bill Solomon, said the immediate goal is “to get it done as soon as possible, as painlessly as possible,” and to start negotiations at a level comparable to the Verizon deal so the town is not at a competitive disadvantage. “Again, let's go with that approach. Try for the 21 plus to see what they say,” Sam said during the meeting.

The committee’s discussion centered on two main questions: the capital payment the town will request from Charter and which contract terms to insist on. Solomon, who advised the committee through a shared screen, said Charter has been…